Neuro-Oncology
The Neuro-Oncology section embodies the core missions of the Department of Neurology, including excellence in patient care, promoting education, and advancing research in malignant tumors of the CNS and cancer-related neurological disorders. Our faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their academic contributions to low-grade gliomas and glioblastomas.
Our center, the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas. The faculty employ a patient-centric approach, blending innovative cancer research with conventional cancer care.
Faculty
Our faculty team comprises six individuals, committed to advancing research, education, and clinical care. Four faculty lead extramurally funded research laboratories. Our physician-scientists have engineered nanoparticles to overcome the blood-brain barrier limitations, found innovative methods of inhibiting glioblastoma growth, and are exploring novel strategies to target metabolic vulnerabilities in glioma. The section is home to one of the largest repositories of clinically annotated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models which give insight into how genetic mutations influence tumor phenotypes. By integrating laboratory investigators and surgeons in clinical settings and operating rooms, the faculty can personalize therapy regimens for patients. The collective knowledge of our faculty contributes significantly to the field of neuro-oncology and faculty are widely regarded as leaders in their field.
View all faculty Join Our Team
Neuro-Oncology Highlights
3600+
Patient visits annually
700
Patient operations performed by neurosurgery
1
NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center (only in North Texas)
6
Faculty
4
Faculty with extramural funding
4
Subspecialty Clinics
Subspecialty Clinics and Care
Beyond providing care for patients with the full range of neuro-oncology diseases, our faculty lead four subspecialty clinics: a multidisciplinary glioma clinic, a Neurofibromatosis clinic, a specialty cancer prevention and screening clinic, and a procedure clinic. A total care program for primary brain tumors enhances our ability to care for our patients in one environment with various specialists.
Research
Physicians and scientists within the Neuro-oncology section focus on a range of clinical and basic research topics relevant to the field of glioblastomas and gliomas. Clinical research activities focus on low- and high-grade gliomas, leptomeningeal disease, novel tumor mutations, as well as health disparities. Basic science research investigates mechanisms of genotype-phenotype connections, signal transduction pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, and novel strategies to target metabolic vulnerabilities in gliomas. Faculty research on IDH inhibitors and their efficacy on low-grade IDH mutant gliomas has shaped the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines on treating this disease. Their work in the imaging field has also been instrumental in utilizing non-invasive imaging techniques to identify patients with IDH mutant tumors, through the evaluation of 2HG signaling.
Education & Training
Our neuro-oncology fellowship training program is designed to provide intensive clinical exposure in a broad range of settings, with trainees working alongside faculty with extensive knowledge of these disorders. For medical students and resident trainees, weekly educational rounds provide a forum for the recognition of subtle clinical nuances, the exchange of clinical and scholarly ideas, and exposure to faculty whose training background is diverse. The program is intentionally designed to provide our trainees with time to reflect, engage in scholarly projects, and network with future colleagues. Four faculty members engage in extramurally supported research on primary brain tumors, ranging from tumor metabolism to mouse PDX models of low-grade gliomas. This provides a unique opportunity for trainees to engage in both basic and clinical research. This allows for trainees to grow as future clinicians, clinician-educators, and physician-scientists.
Our Reach Within the Community
Head for the Cure, an annual spring walk is a well-attended fundraising event. A portion of the funds are directed to our research team to bring novel therapies from bench concepts to the bedside.
National Brain Tumor Society - Fireside Chats occur once every 6 months to 1 year, where clinical trials are discussed offering insight to community members interested in supporting research. The society funds clinical research activities and community engagement activities. They also provide dedicated support group assistance to patients and caregivers.
Grey Matters, is a local neuro-oncology support group for UT Southwestern brain tumor patients and faculty.